MLB News

Seager keys comeback win as Paxton K's 10

By
Jeff SeidelSpecial to MLB.com

BALTIMORE -- Kyle Seager took care of the offense, and James Paxton handled most of the pitching on Tuesday night. The work of these two is a big reason why the Mariners rallied to beat the Orioles for a second consecutive game. Seager lined a go-ahead two-run single to center with the bases loaded in the eighth -- after homering earlier in the game -- and Paxton threw seven solid innings as the Mariners rallied for a 3-2 victory at Camden Yards.

The Mariners fell behind twice in the game, but they bounced back as Paxton kept them close. Seager then came through at the right time. Seattle improved to 24-11 in one-run games this season.

BALTIMORE -- Kyle Seager took care of the offense, and James Paxton handled most of the pitching on Tuesday night. The work of these two is a big reason why the Mariners rallied to beat the Orioles for a second consecutive game. Seager lined a go-ahead two-run single to center with the bases loaded in the eighth -- after homering earlier in the game -- and Paxton threw seven solid innings as the Mariners rallied for a 3-2 victory at Camden Yards.

The Mariners fell behind twice in the game, but they bounced back as Paxton kept them close. Seager then came through at the right time. Seattle improved to 24-11 in one-run games this season.

"[Paxton] came right after them, right out of the chute," Mariners manager Scott Servais said. "I thought he was outstanding. [Seager] came through. It was nice for him to have a big night for us. He's been due for one of those."

Seager came into the game with a .221 batting average, but he moved up to the cleanup spot when designated hitter Nelson Cruz was scratched late due to low back tightness/spasms.

The third baseman had been in an 0-for-9 slump when his solo homer off starter Kevin Gausman tied the game in the fourth. Seager's decisive two-run single came off Orioles left-hander Tanner Scott.

"He's got really good stuff," Seager said of Scott. "Just trying to not strike out at that point. Just trying to put the ball in play and hope for something good to happen. Fortunately, I got a pitch up that I could hit."

Paxton (7-2) struck out 10 in his seven-inning effort. He allowed two runs on six hits, and he kept the Orioles quiet most of the time, ending a personal two-start winless skid.

Paxton only ran into trouble in two frames, and he struck out the final four batters he faced.

"I was just trying to be really aggressive, trying to pound the zone with my stuff and let it rip today," Paxton said. "A little bit early, I was still trying to figure some things out. I think it was the third or fourth when I really started to lock in and felt really good."

Alex Colome took care of the eighth before Edwin Diaz came on in the ninth and earned his second save in two nights. Diaz now has 29 saves this season, and the Mariners have won the first two games of this four-game series.

Darren O'Day (0-2) took the loss for the Orioles, leaving after aggravating a hamstring injury while trying to field a Jean Segura bunt in the eighth. Mitch Haniger then drew a walk off Scott to load the bases before Seager added his game-winning single.

SOUND SMARTThis victory was the Mariners' 22nd comeback win this season. They are now tied with the Astros and Red Sox for second in the Majors in that category. Seattle has taken over the lead in the seventh inning or later 15 times -- doing it in the eighth inning on Tuesday.

HE SAID IT"We're supposed to come in here and beat this team, and we're doing a good job so far. We'll look to keep doing the same thing the next two days." -- Paxton

UP NEXTWade LeBlanc (3-0, 3.26 ERA) will try to remain unbeaten this season on Wednesday at Camden Yards. This is going to be his 11th start of 2018, and the left-hander goes against Alex Cobb (2-9, 6.56 ERA), who has pitched better of late despite his record. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. PT.